Nursing Elites

1. When a client is comatose and has advance directives stating a desire to avoid life-sustaining measures, but the family wants these measures, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns.
• B. Support the family's decision and initiate life-sustaining measures.
• C. Complete an incident report.
• D. Encourage the family to contact an attorney.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize the client's wishes as outlined in the advance directives. By arranging for an ethics committee meeting, the nurse can facilitate discussions between the family and healthcare team to ensure that the client's wishes are respected while addressing the concerns of the family. This approach promotes ethical decision-making and collaborative communication among all involved parties, ultimately aiming to provide the best possible care for the client while considering their autonomy and preferences.

2. Which type of illness is characterized by severe symptoms of relatively short duration?

• A. Chronic Illness
• B. Acute Illness
• C. Pain
• D. Syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute Illness. Acute illnesses are characterized by the sudden onset of severe symptoms that typically last for a short duration. These conditions usually resolve within a defined period, unlike chronic illnesses that persist over a longer time frame. Choices C and D, Pain and Syndrome, are not specific types of illnesses but rather symptoms or clinical manifestations that can occur in various health conditions.

3. What should be done in order to prevent contamination of the environment when making a bed?

• A. Avoid flinging soiled linens
• B. Strip all linens at the same time
• C. Finish both sides at the same time
• D. Embrace soiled linen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct practice to prevent contamination of the environment when making a bed is to avoid flinging soiled linens. Flinging soiled linens can spread contaminants in the environment, leading to potential health risks. By handling soiled linens properly and avoiding flinging them, the risk of contamination is minimized, ensuring a safer and cleaner environment. Stripping all linens at the same time (choice B) may not necessarily prevent contamination if the soiled linens are flung around. Finishing both sides at the same time (choice C) is unrelated to preventing contamination. Embracing soiled linen (choice D) is not hygienic and can lead to spreading contaminants.

4. A client requests the creation of a living will. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Schedule a meeting between the hospital ethics committee and the client.
• B. Evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures.
• C. Determine the client's preferences about post-mortem care.
• D. Request a conference with the client's family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client requests the creation of a living will, the nurse's priority is to evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures. This involves ensuring that the client comprehends the implications of various life-sustaining interventions and can make informed decisions about their care preferences in the event they are unable to communicate them later. It is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's comprehension to ensure that the living will accurately reflects the client's wishes and values.

5. What is the most important legal responsibility for the healthcare team after a patient's death in a hospital?

• A. Obtaining consent for an autopsy
• B. Notifying the coroner or medical examiner
• C. Labeling the body appropriately
• D. Ensuring the attending physician issues the death certificate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a patient's death in a hospital, the most crucial legal responsibility for the healthcare team is ensuring that the attending physician issues the death certificate. The death certificate is a vital legal document that confirms the cause of death and is required for legal and administrative purposes, including the completion of the patient's medical records and facilitating the family's ability to proceed with funeral arrangements and insurance claims. While other actions such as obtaining consent for an autopsy, notifying the coroner or medical examiner, and labeling the body appropriately are important, ensuring the timely and accurate issuance of the death certificate takes precedence in this scenario.

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